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Heatwave Forces Energy Emergency Order
30 Jul
Summary
- Emergency order issued to manage extreme heat and high electricity demand.
- Order allows additional resource dispatch across a 17-state region.
- The directive remains in effect until August 3.
The Department of Energy issued an emergency order on July 26, directing the Southwest Power Pool to deploy additional generation units to meet surging electricity demands. This action comes as dangerous heatwaves strain power reserves across a 17-state region. The order, effective through August 3, aims to maintain system reliability by allowing the dispatch of specified generation and backup resources.
The affected states span from the Plains to the Gulf, including Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, New Mexico, Arizona, Minnesota, and Utah. The National Weather Service forecasts continued above-normal temperatures, with highs potentially reaching the low 100s in the southern Plains. Heat indices are expected to soar between 105 to 115 degrees, posing hazardous conditions without adequate cooling and hydration.
